Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attacked during a church service in Othaya ACK, Nyeri County, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by unknown people.

The churchgoers were settled until teargas smoke suddenly sneaked into what was supposed to be a solemn ceremony, where the former deputy head of state was to address the congregants after the service.

Members began choking from the tear gas, forcing them to cover their mouths and eyes to reduce its impact. Some members were overwhelmed by the tear gas, with some fainting and first aid being administered to resuscitate them.

There was sudden jostling in the church as members sought shelter, with some requesting water to wash the affected eyes, while others were taken outside the building where the melee seemed to have emanated from.

The church service was forced to come to a standstill, and everyone began looking for a way out to get some fresh air.

The former Deputy President has since come out to condemn the act, pointing an accusing finger at the President for being behind the attack.

He said that the church was attacked, live bullets were fired at congregants, and his vehicles were torched.

“William Ruto has sent a killer squad to kill us inside Witima ACK Church, Othaya. We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and they torched my vehicles. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” he said.

Outside the church, there were clouds of smoke with unknown people covering their faces, wearing military fatigues.

Betty Maina blames Malala

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, who is always at loggerheads with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, has come out to point accusing fingers at the party’s deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, accusing him of scripting the melee.

“Anywhere you see Malala, know there will be a sympathy script. Shame on you for planning a dangerous script,” Betty Maina said.

This follows several incidents where the former deputy president has been attacked, with the latest being in Kariobangi, where he was attending a church service following his party’s candidate win in the area by-election.